If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE or Low-Cost Single Supplements

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE Single Supplements on All Adventures and Extensions

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, OAT travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at no extra cost, saving up to $3795 per person.

Grand Circle Foundation: Single Supplements

There is a supplement of $425 for single room accommodations. Single rooms are very limited.

NEW Itinerary: Better Pacing, More Discoveries

Based on traveler feedback, this adventure now features a new itinerary. Now, you'll enjoy an extra night in both Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as more included features, such as a visit to Bangkok's capital of Ayutthaya.

Explore the World While the U.S. Dollar is Strong—Plus, We'll Give You $500 in Travel Credits

The U.S. dollar has strengthened against virtually all foreign currencies, making 2015 one of the best times travel. And now, when you reserve an August-December departure of Ancient Kingdoms by 3/6/15, you’ll receive $500 per person in Travel Credits to apply to your adventure.

Interested in traveling sooner? When you reserve a March departure by 3/6/15, you’ll receive $800 in Travel Credits to apply to this adventure.

Mention the code TAAU 122 when reserving. But hurry—these offers are only available for a limited time.

Day by Day Itinerary

Small Groups: Never more than 10-16 travelers—guaranteed!

Veer off Southeast Asia’s trodden paths to uncover the glory days of lost empires—and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures that have emerged in their wakes. As you travel through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, you’ll encounter temples and shrines devoted to Buddhist, Hindu, and animist worship; romantic remnants of French Colonial architecture; and gilded palaces where royals still reside. Along the way, you’ll meet locals in their markets and schools, and learn about traditional crafts like silk-weaving and paper-making from artisans who have practiced their trades for generations. From the grandeur of Angkor Wat’s temples to the simplicity of life along the Mekong River, it’s an Asian adventure like none other.

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You will be met by your OAT Trip Leader and transferred to our hotel to begin our travel in Thailand. Here, you'll be joined by travelers who took our optionalBurma & the Irrawaddy River pre-trip extension.

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After breakfast at our hotel, step into the Old Kingdom of Siam at the Grand Palace of Thailand, a sprawling compound of ceremonial halls, gilded spires, and ornate buildings. The ancient city's defining landmark since 1782, the palace became the centerpiece of a new Thai capital called Krung Thep ("City of Angels"), known outside of Thailand as Bangkok. It was King Mongkut (or Rama IV) who ruled from this palace, expanded trade with the West, and was romanticized in the musical The King and I. Amid the grandeur of the palace, a surprisingly simple sculpture captures the attention of most Thai visitors: the 26-inch Emerald Buddha in the temple of Wat Phra Kaew. Carved out of jade, the figurine is so beloved by the Thais that the king himself changes its robes for each hot, rainy, and cool season.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll check into our hotel and take a brief orientation walk.

This evening, we board a traditional wooden rice barge for a memorable Welcome Dinner. We'll cruise past the Temple of the Dawn and the Grand Palace, both of which are spectacular by moonlight.

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After breakfast, we visit the ancient city of Ayutthaya, just outside of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was home to 33 kings from many different dynasties. The capital of Siam from 1353 to 1767, the city was once a place of such fabulous wealth that early travelers described its “2,000 spires clad in gold.” A coach ride brings us to Wat Yai Chai Mongkol (wat is Thai for temple), flanked by a row of saffron-draped Buddha statues. Although its stones were laid centuries ago in 1357, the site still functions as a meditation center today. We also explore the ruins at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a temple complex situated within the former Royal Palace grounds which served as a model for Bangkok's Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll then board a motorized long-tail boat—so named for its long, thin design—for an afternoon cruise, with a stop a Muslim village to learn about their lives. As we coast, we’ll see villagers going about their daily routines at temples, schools, markets, and even churches and mosques near the river banks. We return to Bangkok by mid-afternoon.

We'll have dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

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Enjoy a day in Bangkok for independent discoveries or join our optional Floating Market excursion, which journeys west of Bangkok to the riverside town of Ratchaburi. Here, we'll board a long-tail boat to explore the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market. Then, we stop at a palm sugar workshop and coconut farm, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we journey by bus to Khlong Khon district of Samutsongkram province, where we board a fisherman's boat to explore the mangrove forest area, feed the wild monkeys, and visit a local fisherman’s home. We return to Bangkok by bus in the late afternoon.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

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After breakfast at our hotel, we depart for the airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. The ancient, royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is located on a peninsula between the Mekong and Khan rivers with green mountains all around. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is one of the quaintest towns in Southeast Asia.

After checking into our hotel and lunch at a local restaurant, we have an orientation walk around the neighborhood. Set in spectacular scenery, Luang Prabang is famous for the more than 30 active temples and hundreds of architectural treasures that reside here. This is a working city, however, and not a museum, and we will mingle with monks and local people heading to market and going about their daily business. Notice the many 19th-century French Colonial villas mixed in with the more traditional Lao-style homes. Next, we'll hop aboard local transport to visit the royal temple Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest in the city. Originally built of wood in 1560, it was reconstructed in brick and stucco following a fire in the late 19th century. Then we head to Phousi Hill, in the center of the old town. Here you may wish to climb the 328 steps and at the top, overlook most of Luang Prabang. You'll enjoy views of the Khan and Mekong rivers, and if the weather obliges, enjoy a colorful sunset. We'll continue on to a night market, and then we'll have dinner at a local restaurant.

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We start our day in a local village, Baan Xang Kong, to learn about their paper and textile-making traditions. From there, we’ll embark on an excursion along one of the longest rivers in the world. The Mekong River, or “mother of all rivers,” supports some 90 million people who produce 54,000 square miles of rice every year. Also home to more species of giant fish than any other river, this majestic waterway is said to produce balls of light along its surface, which the locals attribute to the Phaya Naga, or Mekong Dragons. Our Mekong cruise takes us to a rural village known for producing a local rice "whiskey,” and to Pak Ou Cave, filled with thousands of Buddha icons.

Three-wheeled tuk-tuks bring us back to Luang Prabang for some leisure time. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 8

Alms-giving ceremony • A Day in the Life of Tin Keo Village • Home-Hosted Lunch

Today we rise very early to participate in an ancient Buddhist tradition: alms-giving to local monks. In the quiet of early morning (around 5am), we watch as hundreds of monks from the nearby Buddhist temples parade solemnly and single-file through the streets of Luang Prabang, collecting food offerings from the citizens who, in turn, receive prayers for their families and friends from the monks. Dressed in traditional Lao orange robes, the monks provide a sense of calm and solemnity to the inhabitants of the city each morning.

When the procession is over, we’ll visit a nearby market and return to the hotel for breakfast. Then we set out to experience A Day in the Life of Tin Keo Village, where we’ll get to meet young students a local elementary school, supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation—part of the World Classroom initiative. We’ll then walk to a nearby village of the Hmong hill tribe, an indigenous people of Laos’ northern highlands. Here, we’ll be welcomed inside the home of a local shaman. After a lively discussion with village leaders, you’ll enjoy a Home-Hosted Lunch, which you’ll help to prepare.

We return to Luang Prabang for some free time to explore, and dinner is on your own.

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We spend our final morning in Luang Prabang exploring the Royal Palace Museum, which was built from 1904-1909 during the reign of King Sisavang Vong and served as his palace. Today it is a museum where you can see the royal throne and other artifacts. The building itself is a fine example of the French beaux-arts style and traditional Lao artwork. The ground floor of the museum is divided into several halls and rooms displaying gifts from other countries to the Lao kings and collections of swords and Buddha images.

Then enjoy lunch on your own before we take a short flight to Vientiane, Laos’ easy-going capital. Despite its growing population, the city still retains a small-town feel: Laundry dries in the sun on French-style balconies, and street vendors spread out their wares on blankets and banana leaves. When we arrive in the capital this afternoon, we’ll take a brief orientation walk, perhaps witnessing group aerobics at King Anouvong Park.

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We have breakfast at our hotel and then set out to explore Vientiane. Pronounced “Vieng Chan,” the capital of Laos is a slow-paced, friendly city of some 600,000 people.

The city was built around the twelfth century as an early center for commerce in the region. We start our explorations with a visit to the golden-domed Phra That Luang (Great Sacred Stupa), a national symbol of Laos built in the 16th century, and the imposing Patuxay Victory Gate Monument. We also visit the Haw Phra Kaew (House of the Emerald Buddha), which contains some of the best Buddhist sculptures in Laos. Nearby stands Wat Sisaket, the oldest monastery in Vientiane, which dates back to 1818. The temple contains a total of 6,840 Buddha statues in varying sizes and positions.

We'll have lunch together at a local restaurant, and then you are free to spend the afternoon exploring Vientiane at your own pace. Dinner is on your own this evening.

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After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the airport for our flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. After lunch on our own, we'll visit the Royal Palace, where former King Norodom Sihanouk still lives today. The palace was opened in 1870 and now contains the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall, and the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat), which draws its name from the more than 5,000 silver tiles that cover its floor.

After checking in to our hotel, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of our surroundings by remok (the Cambodian version of a tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled motor rickshaw). Later this evening, we'll have dinner together at a local restaurant.

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After breakfast, we visit the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek—both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past under Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. It is almost inconceivable to confront the nature of true evil here in this gentle land, but the Buddhist memorial at Choeung Ek commemorates the 1.7 million victims of the 1975-79 Pol Pot genocide. This execution site is one of many throughout Cambodia.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll witness a dance performance by some children at the Apsara Arts Association, an organization that preserves Khmer culture. Please note: The Apsara Arts Association is closed Sundays and public holidays. If our visit falls on one of these days, we will visit the association on Day 11 instead; and our visit to the Royal Palace will take place on Day 12.

You can then choose to explore Psar Tuol Tom Poung, also known as “the Russian Market” because most of its goods used to be imported from Russia—one of the only countries to lend aid to Cambodia in the 1970s. In those days, the market's narrow aisles were the place to buy weapons and drugs, but today, the only contraband we'll spot is likely to be knock-off American clothes and counterfeit DVDs. It's an ideal place to sample tropical fruits, bargain for handmade silver jewelry, and browse local handcrafts.

We return to our hotel for some free time, and dinner is on your own this evening.

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This morning, we depart to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap. We'll arrive in Siem Reap in time for an included lunch at a local restaurant before checking in to our hotel. After an orientation walk, we'll depart for the Angkor National Museum, where we will view its impressive collections relating to the history of Khmer civilization and the story behind the Angkor temples. Then, our tour continues with a stroll through the Royal Independence Gardens and a visit to the city's lively Pub Street area. We’ll enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

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This morning, you can enjoy free time to explore the charming shops and cafes of Siem Reap, or choose to join our optional tour to visit Banteay Srei, one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved temple sites in Cambodia. Built in AD 967, Banteay Srei means “Citadel of Women,” and is recognized as a tribute to female beauty. This tour includes lunch and also offers a glimpse into the daily life of rural Cambodia, as we stop to visit basket weavers, palm sugar farmers, and a Khmer noodle maker.

In the afternoon, we’ll all gather for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, which translates to "Great Fresh Water Lake," and arrive at an agricultural village. Here, we'll speak with a farmer in his home and take a ride in his water buffalo cart to learn more about his way of life.

We'll have dinner together at a local restaurant this evening.

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Today we'll venture into the heart of ancient Angkor, a holy city that took centuries to build and whose scale is still breathtaking today—it sprawls across an area of roughly 96 square miles. The Khmer Empire aristocrats who built the temples and monuments here between AD 800-1200 were motivated by their Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

We’ll begin at Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat is a large pyramid temple, built between 1113 and 1150, surrounded by a great moat 570 feet wide. Note the bas-relief carvings throughout the temple, and take a moment to stand in the courtyard of this temple whose towers represent Mount Meru, the center of all physical and spiritual universes and the home to many gods in Hindu and Buddhist mythologies.

After we enjoy a taste of local hospitality during a Home-Hosted Lunch, we'll return to the hotel to rest for a bit. In the afternoon, we pass through the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the capital city of Khmer rulers. We’ll see the Bayon, and make brief stops at Baphuon and the Elephants Terrace, where amazing bas-reliefs depict the huge beasts almost life-sized. At the nearby Terrace of the Leper King, equally intricate wall carvings depict rank after rank of court attendants and mystical rulers. We conclude our explorations of Angkor’s most notable features with a visit to Ta Prohm. Unlike Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm has been left the way it was found, covered by a dense jungle of trees and roots and allowing you to discover this archaeological treasure just as it was found by the French in the mid-1800s.

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After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the country’s largest city.

While many locals still call the city Saigon, the city was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976. We embark on an included city tour this afternoon, passing the French Quarter and the Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Dressed in beautiful stained glass, the church was completed in 1880 and is said to stand on the site of an old pagoda. We also see the architecture of the majestic Post Office, built during the same time period and featuring two enormous murals depicting maps of Vietnam as it was many decades ago. Later, we explore the landmark Ben Thanh Market, where local merchants peddle everything from carved wooden animals and coffee beans to delicately painted cookware.

After breakfast at our hotel, we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels—a 125-mile-long underground maze where thousands of fighters and villagers hid and fought during the Vietnam War, referred to by locals as the “American War.” The South Vietnamese Communists, or Viet Cong, built this vast network of tunnels in and around the district of Cu Chi and worked continually over 25 years to expand the multi-level network. The tunnels—which include mess halls, meeting rooms, an operating theater, a tiny cinema, small factories, and vast ammunition stores—allowed the Viet Cong to control large areas near Saigon. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels provide invaluable insight into the war era.

We return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for lunch at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll have a chance to explore the Vietnam History Museum, which holds excellent collections of ceramics, weaponry, and Cham sculpture.

You can spend the balance of your day at leisure, or later this evening, you may wish to join our optional tour, which starts with a cyclo-rickshaw ride through the city, followed by a traditional puppet show and a hands-on Vietnamese cooking demonstration and dinner.

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After breakfast, we journey outside of Ho Chi Minh City to discover Vietnam’s famous Mekong Delta. We’ll drive to Cai Be, a small village surrounded by fruit orchards and home to a floating market, and take a motorized boat ride along the Mekong River. We’ll discover the tranquil like of villagers in the Mekong Delta region when we board a small paddle boat for a brief cruise along one of the local canals. We also stop to enjoy lunch at the garden restaurant of Ba Kiet, an old house built in 1924 that represents the typical architectural style of the Mekong Delta region.

After driving back to Ho Chi Minh City, we have some time at leisure before regrouping for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Extensions

Burma, currently known as Myanmar, is a forest-clad country of mountain ranges and river systems, with an abundance of golden pagodas. After a period of isolation, it has again opened itself to visitors, while remaining one of the least Western-influenced countries in Southeast Asia. Travel to Burma to experience Asia as it once was.

Discover the World War II legacy of the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai before exploring the lush, temple-strewn hills of northern Thailand, home to some of Southeast Asia’s most colorful and fascinating cultures. In Chiang Rai, we’ll set out into the mountains and meet local hill tribes that have called the forests home for generations. In canal-laced Chiang Mai, explore temples as old as the city itself and venture outside the city on unforgettable elephant and raft excursions.

Optional Tours

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Floating Market & Mangrove Adventure

Day 5 $80 per person

After breakfast, this full-day optional tour journeys about 75 miles west of Bangkok to Ratchaburi, set on the banks of the Mae Klong River. We begin with a paddle-boat ride along the canal at the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market. Then, after a walking tour of the market, we’ll stop palm sugar workshop and coconut farm to see how this staple of Thai cuisine is made. After lunch at a local restaurant, we then take a bus ride to Khlong Khon district of Samutsongkram province, where a local community is working to preserve the once thriving mangrove forests. We’ll board a fisherman's boat to explore the beauty of the mangrove forest area, feed the monkeys who often swim by for handouts, and witness the birdlife. Then, we visit a local home to learn about fishermen’s way of life in this fascinating region of Thailand before returning to Bangkok by bus in the late afternoon.

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Banteay Srei

Day 14 $80 per person

Visit Banteay Srei, one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved temple sites in Cambodia. Built in AD 967, Banteay Srei means “Citadel of Women,” and is recognized as a tribute to female beauty. The structures here have been carved in painstaking detail out of sandstone with detail as intricate as a woven tapestry—a testament to the craft of the original artisans. The temple rises out of a tangle of forest some 20 miles from Angkor. This tour includes lunch, and also offers a glimpse into the daily life of rural Cambodia, as we stop to visit basket weavers, palm sugar farmers, and a Khmer noodle maker.

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Cyclo-Rickshaw Ride, Traditional Puppet Show & Cooking Demonstration

Day 17 $70 per person

Enjoy the open air on a cyclo-rickshaw ride through Saigon, seeing the city's narrow streets the way the locals do. Your destination is a local theater, where you’ll watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, Mua Roi Nuoc, which uses water for the stage and depicts humorous tales from Vietnamese folklore. After the show, we'll visit the Saigon Culinary Center for a hands-on cooking demonstration, sampling the fruits of our labor at the end of the tour.

Traveler Reviews

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Striving for Excellence

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Ratings based on percentage of travelers who rated these features "Excellent".

Overall Trip Excellence

80%

Trip Leader Excellence

95%

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Weather & Regional

Before you travel, we encourage you to learn about the region of the world you'll discover on this trip. From weather and currency information to details on population, geography, and local history, you'll find a comprehensive introduction to your destinations below. Visit our “What to Know” page to find information about the level of activity to expect, vaccination information resources, and visa requirements specific to this vacation.

Laos has the typical tropical monsoon climate of the Mekong River Valley. During the rainy season (May to October), the winds of the southwest monsoon deposit an average rainfall of between 50 and 90 inches. Minimum temperatures average between 60° and 70° F in the cool months of December through February, increasing to highs of more than 90° F in March and April, just before the start of the rains. In the wet season the average temperature is 80° F

Jan

Avg. High84

Avg. Low64

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.1

Feb

Avg. High87

Avg. Low67

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.3

Mar

Avg. High91

Avg. Low72

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

Apr

Avg. High94

Avg. Low76

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.4

May

Avg. High91

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.3

June

Avg. High90

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.9

July

Avg. High89

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.7

Aug

Avg. High88

Avg. Low76

Avg. Inches of Precipitation5.6

Sept

Avg. High88

Avg. Low76

Avg. Inches of Precipitation4.3

Oct

Avg. High88

Avg. Low74

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.8

Nov

Avg. High86

Avg. Low69

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.4

Dec

Avg. High83

Avg. Low64

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Area: 91,429 square miles

Capital: Vientiane

Languages: Lao is the official language; French, English, and various ethnic languages are also spoken.

Geography: Unlike many of its neighbors, Laos is somewhat sparsely populated. The rugged and difficult terrain makes farming a struggle, and while fishing is important along the rivers, Laos has no coastline. The Mekong River, an important source of commerce and transportation, runs through Laos and links the country to the outside.

Population: 6,834,345 (2010 estimate)

Religions: Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5%

Time Zone: Laos is twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is 6pm in Vientiane.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The kip is the monetary unit of Laos. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

Vietnam lies entirely within the tropics. It has wet and dry seasons, which vary from north to south and with elevation changes. Ttemperatures in the south are fairly constant, ranging between 75º and 85º F. Seasonal variation is determined by the rains. The dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The hottest period is during April to August, before the rains have broken. Typhoons are common in coastal areas between July and November.

Jan

Avg. High69

Avg. Low57

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

Feb

Avg. High70

Avg. Low60

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

Mar

Avg. High74

Avg. Low64

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.8

Apr

Avg. High83

Avg. Low71

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.6

May

Avg. High89

Avg. Low75

Avg. Inches of Precipitation6.1

June

Avg. High92

Avg. Low78

Avg. Inches of Precipitation7.2

July

Avg. High92

Avg. Low79

Avg. Inches of Precipitation8.7

Aug

Avg. High91

Avg. Low78

Avg. Inches of Precipitation9.2

Sept

Avg. High89

Avg. Low76

Avg. Inches of Precipitation5.4

Oct

Avg. High85

Avg. Low72

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.8

Nov

Avg. High79

Avg. Low65

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.3

Dec

Avg. High73

Avg. Low59

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.9

Area: 128,565 square miles

Capital: Hanoi

Languages: Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Location: Vietnam is bordered by the South China Sea, China, Laos, and Cambodia.

Geography: It is about a thousand miles long and ranges in width from 30 miles in the central region to 400 miles in the north. There are five principle geographic areas. There are two mountainous areas, covered largely by forests or jungles: the Northern Highlands, located in the northwest, and the Annamite Range that extends from it down the western portion of the country towards Ho Chi Minh City. The two delta areas—the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south—hold most of the country’s population and also provide the majority of the country’s farmland. The Coastal Lowlands, which lie between the delta areas, are also heavily populated.

Time zone: Vietnam is twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is 6pm in Hanoi.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The New Dông (d) is the monetary unit of Vietnam. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

In Cambodia, the climate is tropical, with seasonal monsoons. During the rainy season, between June and October, high temperatures average 80-95 degrees F. During the dry season, the months of November to February have highs averaging 80-95 degrees F, while it’s hotter from March though May, with highs from 84-100 degrees F.

Jan

Avg. High88

Avg. Low73

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Feb

Avg. High90

Avg. Low74

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.4

Mar

Avg. High93

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.3

Apr

Avg. High94

Avg. Low80

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

May

Avg. High93

Avg. Low80

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.2

June

Avg. High92

Avg. Low79

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.4

July

Avg. High90

Avg. Low78

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

Aug

Avg. High90

Avg. Low78

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.6

Sept

Avg. High89

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.4

Oct

Avg. High87

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.6

Nov

Avg. High86

Avg. Low76

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.9

Dec

Avg. High85

Avg. Low73

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.1

Area: 69,898 square miles

Capital: Phnom Penh

Languages: Khmer is the official language; English and French are also spoken.

Location: Cambodia is bordered by Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Geography: The ancient Khmer kingdom we now call Cambodia is a nation of 14.5 million people in a country about the size of Missouri. This is a country of geographical contrasts—the borders of Cambodia are mountainous and rugged, but a rich, alluvial plain dominates the center of the country. Here the Mekong River, the Sap River, and the Tonle Sap create a prosperous farming and fishing region full of rice fields and fishing villages.

Population: 14,494,293

Religion: Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2%

Time Zone: Cambodia is on Indochina Time, twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is 6pm in Phnom Penh.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Riel (KHR) is the official currency of Cambodia. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

Burma has a largely tropical climate with three seasons: the monsoon or rainy season, from May to October; the cool season, from November to February; and the hot season, generally from March to April. Rainfall during the monsoon season totals more than 200 inches in upper Burma and over 100 inches in lower Burma and Rangoon. Central Burma, called the dry zone, and Mandalay, the chief city in the area, each receive about 30 inches. Average daily temperatures in Rangoon range from 64–90°F in January, during the cool season, and from 75–97°F in April, during the hot season. The climate in upper Burma, particularly at altitudes ranging from about 1,000–4,000 ft, is the most temperate throughout the year, while lower Burma, especially in the delta and coastal regions, is the most humid.

Jan

Avg. High54

Avg. Low39

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.3

Feb

Avg. High56

Avg. Low40

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.5

Mar

Avg. High63

Avg. Low45

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.9

Apr

Avg. High74

Avg. Low51

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

May

Avg. High82

Avg. Low59

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.6

June

Avg. High88

Avg. Low64

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

July

Avg. High90

Avg. Low68

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0

Aug

Avg. High91

Avg. Low68

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.7

Sept

Avg. High87

Avg. Low64

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.3

Oct

Avg. High81

Avg. Low59

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.8

Nov

Avg. High68

Avg. Low49

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.5

Dec

Avg. High58

Avg. Low42

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.4

Area: 261,227 square miles

Capital: Nay Pyi Taw

Languages: Burmese is the official language; ethnic and regional dialects are also spoken.

Location: Burma is bordered by India, China, Laos, Thailand, and the Andaman Sea.

Geography: Burma's terrain is dominated by steep, rugged highlands that ring the central lowlands. Through the lowlands flows Burma’s major river, the Irrawaddy, which empties into the Andaman Sea through a large delta covering over 63 million acres. Although the administrative capital is Nay Pyi Taw, the two largest cities in Burma are actually Rangoon (pop. 5.5 million) and Mandalay (pop. 1.2 million).

Time Zone: Burma is on Myanmar Standard Time, 11.5 hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is 5:30pm in Nay Pyi Taw.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The kyat is the monetary unit of Burma. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

High temperatures and humidity levels are experienced throughout the year. The country is hottest from March to May, and coolest from November to February. Monsoon season, which brings rain to the entire country, runs from June to October. During this season, the air is warm and humid and the sky is typically overcast. From November to April, the air is much drier, with only a few days of rainfall per month.

Jan

Avg. High91

Avg. Low74

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1

Feb

Avg. High92

Avg. Low76

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.1

Mar

Avg. High94

Avg. Low79

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.8

Apr

Avg. High96

Avg. Low81

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.9

May

Avg. High94

Avg. Low79

Avg. Inches of Precipitation8.6

June

Avg. High93

Avg. Low79

Avg. Inches of Precipitation5.9

July

Avg. High92

Avg. Low78

Avg. Inches of Precipitation6.7

Aug

Avg. High91

Avg. Low78

Avg. Inches of Precipitation8.2

Sept

Avg. High91

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation12.1

Oct

Avg. High91

Avg. Low77

Avg. Inches of Precipitation10.9

Nov

Avg. High91

Avg. Low75

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.9

Dec

Avg. High90

Avg. Low72

Avg. Inches of Precipitation0.4

Area: 198,115 square miles

Capital: Bangkok

Languages: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), and ethnic and regional dialects are spoken.

Ethnicities: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Location: Thailand is bordered by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia

Geography: Thailand is roughly the size of France or the state of Texas. The country has been described as a huge rice paddy interrupted by the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok. However, that assessment isn’t entirely fair. In fact, the country’s geography is actually quite varied, with a rich central plain, heavily forested mountains in the north, and a tropical rain forest along the southern peninsula.

Population: 65,998,436

Religions: Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.6%, Christian 0.7%, other 0.1%

Time zone: Thailand is twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. So when it is 6am in New York, it is 6pm in Bangkok.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The baht (Bt) is the monetary unit of Thailand. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

What to Know

For more detailed information about this trip, download our Travel Handbook below. This document covers a wide range of information on specific areas of your trip, from passport, visa, and medical requirements; to the currencies of the countries you’ll visit and the types of electrical outlets you’ll encounter. This handbook is written expressly for this itinerary. For your convenience, we've highlighted our travelers' most common areas of interest on this page.

Accommodations & Facilities

At some destinations, only Asian-style toilets (squat-style rather than seats) may be available

Travel Documents

Passport

Your passport should meet these requirements for this itinerary:

It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

It should have the recommended number of blank pages (refer to the handbook for details).

The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and
Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Visas

U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:

Travelers who are booked on this adventure will be sent a complete Visa Packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued, or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.

Vaccinations Information

For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website. You can also refer to the handbook for details.

Before Your Trip

Before you leave on your adventure, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

What to Bring

In an effort to help you bring less, we have included checklists within the handbook, which have been compiled from suggestions by Trip Leaders and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in the handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. Refer to the handbook for details.

Insider Tips

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Trip Leaders' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Special Places & Pastimes

The best time to visit Bangkok’s weekend market, called Jatujak Market—or “J.J. Market”—is in the morning from 8am to 11am because it is less hot and not too crowded. The Market has 27 Sections, plus an extra section call Jatujak Plaza. To get lost in J.J. Market is pretty common, so you can get a map from facilitators’ booths under the white tents. If you’re looking for Benjarong ceramics (traditional Thai ceramics), I recommend Jirada Ceramics in Section 19. Section 7 is good for artists’ work like paintings, and handcrafts are nearby in Section 8. If you still get lost after shopping, just ask one of the vendors for the direction to Section 7, and you will recognize the Sky Train by Entrance 2.

Unique Food & Drink

In Bangkok, Midnight Kaiton (Thanon Petchaburi Tut Mai) is my favorite restaurant. Located at the corner opposite to Pratunam Complex, it is quite a small restaurant that opened more than 30 years ago, and it’s open only in the evenings. This restaurant is always crowded with local people, especially after work, and it's a fun place to mingle with the locals and watch people going by. Everybody who comes to Midnight Kaiton will only order the khao man kai—which literally means chicken-flavored rice—because the restaurant only serves this dish. It's served with chili sauce and a cup of broth made of ginger and garlic. The well-known drink is cha yen (iced tea with condensed milk). I love this place because it’s casual, the food is delicious, the service is fast, and the price is very inexpensive.Photo courtesy of Swana Lau.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Trip Leaders' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Iconic Items & Handcrafts

Elephant teak woodcarvings are a great item to bring back to the U.S. Elephants are considered a noble animal and are the national animal of Thailand. Teak wood is native to northern Thailand, and many northern Thai men are skilled in woodcarving. So, this item will help remind you of Thailand. The best place to buy elephant teak woodcarvings is the Sunday Walking Street Market in downtown Chiang Mai, where the locals bring their products to be sold. This market in Chiang Mai is a favorite for the locals.

Hidden Gems & Highlights

Huay Kaew Waterfall is a site I like to visit when I am in Chiang Mai. It’s a nice place, and also a popular picnic area for the locals since it is close to the city (just next to the Chiang Mai Zoo, on the foothills of Doi Sutep). This is the closest waterfall to Chiang Mai—only a 15-minute drive from the city center. It’s a low-rise waterfall that has water falling year-round, and it doesn’t cost anything to enter. Huay Kaew is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, especially the refreshing, cool shade of the trees, and listen to the sound of the waterfall and noise of birds. It also has some great areas to walk around. You can even swim in the pool under the waterfall. The water is rather cold, which is good for a summer day.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Trip Leaders' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Special Places & Pastimes

In Saigon, there is an ice cream parlor named Snowy. It’s a great place for any ice cream lover, and prices will range between $5-12 per person. To get there, turn right at the Chancery Hotel, and then make another two rights at the next intersections (same block).

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Trip Leaders' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Iconic Items & Handcrafts

There’s a night market in Luang Prabang (on Sisavangvong Road) that’s a paradise for textile lovers. You can find many varieties of unique handmade cotton, silk, or mixed cotton-and-silk textiles. Pay no less than 30% of what they offer, and start bargaining at 75% off. Pay attention to the reaction of the vendors. The best way to win the bargaining game is to pretend that you are not interested in the beautiful silk in your hand.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Trip Leaders' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Local Culture & Etiquette

“Sabai sabai” is a Thai phrase that means “take it easy.” Thai people are trained to know these words very early in their lives. We think about them when things go wrong, such as getting caught in bad traffic.

Local Culture & Etiquette

One rule that travelers must know is to make sure you don’t point a foot at a person or thing, especially when walking around the market where things are sold on the floor. When you want to know or ask for anything, make sure that you point to those things with your forefinger—and not the foot. Or, when sitting in public areas with the locals and you cross your legs, be careful that you don’t cross the leg with one of your feet resting on the upper leg, pointing the sole of your shoe to the local sitting next to you. This is considered very rude and could anger the locals.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Trip Leaders' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Unique Food & Drink

In Vientiane, a local restaurant with no name sells a variety of different types of food, like noodle soup with your choice of beef, duck, chicken, or pork; noodle stir-fry with black sauce, vegetables, and pork or chicken; and Vietnamese pho. It’s a very local place with no air-conditioning. You won’t pay more than $5 per person, including the local beer. To get there, head to the fountain square. If you turn back to the fountain and face the road that leads to Lao Plaza hotel, walk about 100 meters (or 300 feet) to the last shop at end of the road. That’s where you’ll find the restaurant.

Trip Leaders

Resident Experts

Accommodations

Main Trip

Evergreen Laurel Hotel

Bangkok, Thailand

The Evergreen Laurel Hotel is conveniently located along Bangkok’s main thoroughfare, Sathorn Road, not far from shops and the bustling Patpong Night Market. Amenities include an award-winning Chinese restaurant, café, lobby lounge, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool. Each of the 160 air-conditioned rooms includes a safe, minibar, cable TV, complimentary Internet access, and private bath.

The Grand Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos

Situated on the grounds of the Xiengkeo Palace, the Grand Luang Prabang offers a tranquil setting with views of the Mekong River and surrounding mountains. All 80 rooms feature traditional colonial décor, air-conditioning, cable TV, and private bath. During your stay, enjoy the on-site bar and two restaurants, manicured gardens, and a large outdoor swimming pool.

Sabaidee@Lao Hotel

Vientiane, Laos

Centrally located in Vientiane, this 80-room hotel is a short walk to Nam Phu Fountain, Mekong River, and many shops and restaurants. Within the clean and modern hotel, you’ll find a restaurant and outdoor beer garden. The air-conditioned rooms feature satellite TV, high-speed wireless Internet, and en suite bathroom with shower and hair dryer.

Almond Hotel

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Almond Hotel is located near many of Phnom Penh’s most captivating sites and landmarks, including the Royal Palace. Each of the hotel’s 54 Khmer-styled rooms feature air-conditioning, cable TV, Internet access, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Two restaurants offer travelers a wide range of Asian and Western cuisines.

Angkor Paradise Hotel

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Angkor Paradise Hotel is located in the heart of Siem Reap, just a short distance from Angkor Archaeological Park. Each air-conditioned guest room features a spacious bathroom, TV, minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and safe. There is a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa on the premises, and the on-site restaurant serves Khmer, Asian, and Western cuisine.

Hotel Continental

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The colonial-style Hotel Continental is conveniently situated on Dong Khoi Street close to Ho Chi Minh City’s Opera House. Amenities at the historic hotel include two restaurants, a bar/lounge, and health club. There are 80 air-conditioned rooms at the Hotel Continental, each with minibar, satellite TV, and private bath with robe and slippers.

Extensions

Park Royal Yangon Hotel

Rangoon, Burma

The Parkroyal Yangon is located in the heart of Rangoon within walking distance of Shwedagon Pagoda and the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market). The hotel features a lobby bar, three restaurants, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness center. There are 267 air-conditioned rooms, each with minibar, safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay, Burma

Located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, the First-Class Mandalay Hill Resort offers views of the nearby pagodas, iconic Royal Palace, and Irrawaddy River. Hotel amenities include a lounge, café, and restaurant. Each air-conditioned room features a TV, safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Evergreen Laurel Hotel

Bangkok, Thailand

The Evergreen Laurel Hotel is conveniently located along Bangkok’s main thoroughfare, Sathorn Road, not far from shops and the bustling Patpong Night Market. Amenities include an award-winning Chinese restaurant, café, lobby lounge, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool. Each of the 160 air-conditioned rooms includes a safe, minibar, cable TV, complimentary Internet access, and private bath.

Hin Tok River Camp

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Perched on the peak of Hintok Mountain, with inspiring views of the River Kwai and the lush local flora, the Hin Tok River Camp in Thailand features an on-site open-air restaurant and a swimming pool fed by a natural spring. The 32 tented, air-conditioned rooms feature a minibar, refrigerator, and private bath.

Golden Pine Resort & Spa

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Golden Pine Resort & Spa in Thailand is in the heart of pineapple country, far from the busy city streets, surrounded by fields and rice paddies. The 90-room resort features an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and spa. Rooms are broken into individual, air-conditioned cottages and include TV, minibar, shower, and tub.

The Grand Napat

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Grand Napat is nestled in the center of Chiang Mai, away from the bustling city streets. It’s within walking distance of many of Chiang Mai’s main attractions, including JJ market—one of the main shopping areas in the city. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, exercise room, and on-site restaurant. Each air-conditioned room features a private balcony, TV, Internet access, safe, hair dryer, refrigerator, and private bath.

Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel

Bangkok, Thailand

The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel is located on Srinakarin Road near Bangkok's international airport. Hotel amenities include three restaurants, a coffee shop, an outdoor pool and fitness center. There are 450 air-conditioned rooms, each with a safe, mini bar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, complimentary Internet access, TV, and private bath.

Flight Information

Flight Options to Personalize Your Trip

Whether you choose to take just a base trip or add an optional pre- and post-trip extension, you have many options when it comes to personalizing your air—and creating the OAT adventure that’s right for you:

Personalized Air Routing

Work with our expert Air Travel Consultants to select the airline and routing you prefer

Upgrade to business or premium economy class

Customize your trip by staying overnight in a connecting city, arriving at your destination a few days early, or spending additional time in a nearby city on your own

Combine your choice of OAT adventures to maximize your value

Your Own Air Routing

Make your own international flight arrangements directly with the airline

Purchase optional airport transfers to and from your hotel

Extend your Land Tour-only Travel Protection Plan coverage and protect the air arrangements you make on your own—including your frequent flyer miles

OR, leave your air routing up to us and your airfare (as well as airport transfers) will be included in your final trip cost.

Standard Air Routing

w/out standard air$2695

w/ standard air$4295

Gateway

Travel Time*

San Francisco, Seattle

20 hrs

Los Angeles

21 hrs

Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York (JFK), Portland, OR

22 hrs

Minneapolis, Newark, Phoenix, Washington, DC (Dulles)

24 hrs

Houston

25 hrs

Atlanta, Philadelphia

26 hrs

Tampa

27 hrs

Miami

29 hrs

*Estimated total time including connections and layovers. Actual travel time may vary.

The following information is your approximate flight time to Bangkok, Thailand. Routing is based on availability and subject to change. You will receive your final air itinerary approximately 14 days prior to departure.

Solo Traveler Stories

Why Travel Solo on Ancient Kingdoms

We're proud to offer the best value for solo travelers in the industry, guaranteed, with FREE Single Supplements on your base trip and all extensions. Travel with the leader in solo-friendly travel on Ancient Kingdoms—and save up to $1895 per person versus the competition.

Our small group size and expert, resident Trip Leaders help solo travelers make personal connections and ensure peace of mind. Here are some thoughts from solo travelers about why this adventure was right for them.

"I traveled solo, for those of you who contemplate it, and could not have been more pleased with the 11 others who I now consider friends. Our ages ranged from 48 to 'old,' but all had unflagging energy … Be prepared to swim in waterfalls, go for long pleasant boat rides, see many temples, and meet lots of people."

Nancy Baltz, 5-time traveler
Burlingame, California

Expecting the Unexpected in Southeast Asia

Jane Hansen, 4-time traveler, Groveland, California

I started traveling on my own after my husband died. I have a single friend who likes to travel, so sometimes we travel together; sometimes we travel separately. Destinations just pop up for me. I don’t go someplace just so I can say I’ve been there—I travel because I want to see new places, so I try to go to places that I haven’t been.

Most recently, I took OAT’s Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia adventure. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on! My Trip Leader, Ron Chomdee, was just an absolutely terrific person. Really exceptional! He led us through all four countries, and everything worked well, because he was very efficient. And the people in my group were very pleasant.

Angkor Wat was a real highlight of the trip. It’s one of the few remaining ancient wonders of the world, and it was everything I had hoped it would be. In fact, I was able to do just about everything on this adventure, except that, physically, I didn’t want to go into the Cu Chi Tunnels on my hands and knees in the dark—but then, I wouldn’t have wanted to do that 20 years ago, either!

Did I mention that I’m about to turn 91?

You see, I don’t consider travel difficult. What I like to do is spend several weeks with a small group, because I really feel as though I get a sense of the destination. Small groups are much more manageable. In 2002, I went to China with a different company. There were two buses of people, and we spent a lot of time waiting to get on and off the bus. With OAT, you get to stay in different kinds of accommodations, too, that are too small for larger groups. It’s just a different kind of trip.

Some people, when they travel, just want to be entertained. They want everything to be exactly the same as it is at home. But when I travel, I know things are going to be different, and I just ignore the things I don’t care for. You make up for it in what you learn about the culture. That’s why I don’t take a lot of pictures or keep a journal. I like to see what’s there while I can.

The fact is, I refuse to look and act my age. I know that I got lucky with the genes I inherited. But more than that, in travel, a lot of your enjoyment depends on your attitude. You see, I’m an optimist. I always expect my trip to be good, and it always is. You can’t be fearful that something’s going to happen. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or not. Anyone who’s in good health can enjoy travel. Just drink bottled water, take your pills, and have fun!

Photos From Our Travelers

On location in Asia

Here’s how OAT travelers have captured moments of discovery, beauty, friendship, and fun on previous departures of our Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia adventure. We hope these will evoke special travel memories and inspire you to submit your own favorite OAT trip photos.

A mother poles her floating convenience store on Lake Tonle Sap, near Siem Reap, Cambodia, while keeping watch on her daughter. Cyril Harvey, a 22-time traveler from Greensboro, North Carolina, captured the moment.

Jane Hansen, 4-time traveler from Groveland, California, and three fellow travelers relax while cruising a river in Cambodia. Photographer and 29-time traveler Edna Tobias from Hermosa Beach, California, took the photo.

While visiting a village school in Cambodia, 14-time traveler Diane Craig from Burnet, Texas, is accompanied by two students.

Photographer Robert LeHeup, a 3-time traveler from Charlottesville, Virginia, took this picture of a group of boys running into a Hmong village.

The magnificence of Angkor Thom, Cambodia, is captured by 5-time traveler John McNabb from Morris, Illinois.

How to submit your photos:

Please be sure to include the name of your OAT adventure, along with the travel dates. Tell us where you took the photo and, if you’d like, tell us why. And don’t forget to include your name and contact information.

Please note: By submitting a photo, you (i) represent and warrant that the photo is your original work created solely by yourself and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any party; (ii) grant to Grand Circle LLC and its affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, transferable, irrevocable, non-exclusive and fully sublicensable right and license to use, in any and all related media whether now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, anywhere in the world, with the right to make any and all commercial or other uses thereof, including without limitation, reproducing, editing, modifying, adapting, publishing, displaying publicly, creating derivative works from, incorporating into other works or modifying the photo and (iii) hereby release and discharge Grand Circle LLC and its affiliates, officers and employees from and against any and all claims, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to the use by Grand Circle LLC of any photo submitted.

Partner since:2012Total donated:$50,603

Making a difference in Laos

Simply by traveling with OAT, you support the work of the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation. Alan and Harriet Lewis created the Foundation with the mission of changing people's lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with OAT, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Learn more about our work in Laos, and what you'll experience during your itinerary:

A Day in the Life of Tin Keo Village

Each Day in the Life is specially tailored to showcase daily life in your destination—in this case, the village of Tin Keo. You’ll get to know the local people through conversation and sharing a meal together, gaining an authentic glimpse of what life is really like here—and not just the typical tourist’s version.

A Day in the Life of Tin Keo Village

Each Day in the Life is specially tailored to showcase daily life in your destination—in this case, the village of Tin Keo. You’ll get to know the local people through conversation and sharing a meal together, gaining an authentic glimpse of what life is really like here—and not just the typical tourist’s version.

Meet the People of Tin Keo Village

During your Day in the Life experience, you’ll visit the village of Tin Keo—situated in the North Luang Prabang Valley of Laos. This small community makes its humble living by farming rice, corn, and bananas, tending livestock, and weaving.

You’ll begin your day with an orientation walk around the village, passing by vegetable gardens and villagers creating textiles and handcrafts, to learn what daily life is like. If your visit falls on a weekday, you’ll then visit Tin Keo School—the local elementary school—to meet with its young students who will eagerly share what they’ve been learning with you. Perhaps you’ll even join them as they entertain you with song and dance.

Upon your departure from the Tin Keo School, you’ll participate in a roundtable discussion with local community leaders. Next, you’ll enjoy a lunch that you’ll help to prepare in the home of some of the villagers.

You’ll then walk to a nearby Hmong community, where you’ll be welcomed inside the home of a local shaman and witness a traditional musical performance.

By the end of your Day in the Life experience, we hope you’ll come away with a true sense of what life is like in a small village in Laos—and of the warm and welcoming spirit of the people who call Tin Keo home.

Supporting a World Classroom: Laos

By funding improvements in local schools, the Foundation’s World Classroom initiative is focused on supporting society’s most precious resources: its children. In Laos, you’ll meet young students local schools, supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation.

Supporting a World Classroom: Laos

By funding improvements in local schools, the Foundation’s World Classroom initiative is focused on supporting society’s most precious resources: its children. In Laos, you’ll meet young students local schools, supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation.

"I enjoyed visiting the school in Laos that Grand Circle sponsors. We were each paired off with a five- or six-year-old child. They were very motivated and high-spirited. The improvements Grand Circle made for the school were appreciated and much needed. It made us appreciate what we have."

Stephen Snitzer, 1-time traveler
St. Louis, Missouri

Tin Keo School

Partner since: 2012 • Total donated: $30,400

Just outside the Tin Keo Village—which hosts OAT travelers for their Day in the Life experience in Laos—Tin Keo School is a new partner of Grand Circle Foundation. Although the school building has three classrooms, only one is used for the 36 elementary students it serves, because there is only one teacher. The students are a mix of Lao-Loom (or lowland Lao) people from Tin Keo Village and Hmong hill tribe members from a neighboring village, and most of their parents are rice, banana, or corn farmers or weavers.

Foundation support is initially focusing on the physical needs of the school. In the first half of 2012, Foundation provided funds to install power and fans in the classrooms, and OAT associates pitched in to help repaint the school during a day of community service. Next, we’ll build two toilets for the school and another two for Tin Keo Village.

Because Tin Keo School receives limited financial assistance from the Lao government, the Foundation looks forward to lending much-needed support to its students in our new partnership.

School in session:

Tin Keo Village school is open January 2-May 25 and September 1-December 24.

Gifts to bring if you're visiting:

Alan and Harriet Lewis founded Grand Circle Foundation in 1992 as a means of giving back to the world we travel. Because they donate an annually determined amount of revenue from our trips, we consider each one of our travelers as a partner in the Foundation’s work around the world. To date, the Foundation has pledged or donated more than $97 million in support of 300 different organizations—including 60 villages and nearly 100 schools that lie in the paths of our journeys.

Private Adventures—New for 2015

How do you arrange a Private Adventure?

It’s simple: You choose the people you travel with. You choose the departure date. You choose the size of your group. OAT does the rest.

Your lifelong memories are only a phone call away: Call us toll-free at1-800-955-1925

Group Size

Additional Cost

4-6

$1400 per person

7-9

$650 per person

Now you can reserve an EXCLUSIVE departure of Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia with just 8 travelers. Enjoy a truly special adventure—starting from only $650 per person more than our published trip price.

The benefits of your Private Adventure …

Travel in an exclusive group of friends or family members

Work with your Trip Leader to create unique experiences and special memories

Tailor the pacing of activities—spending more time doing what interests your group most at the speed that fits your comfort level

Enjoy the security of knowing we have regional offices nearby

This program is available on new reservations in 2015 only, and cannot be combined with any offer within 60 days to departure or with our Group Travel program. The additional cost of a Private Departure is per person, on top of the departure price and varies by trip. Private Departures do not include any changes or additions to our standard itineraries. Age restrictions may apply to some itineraries and must be at least 13 years old to travel with Overseas Adventure Travel. Ask your Group Sales Team for details. Additional taxes and fees will apply. Standard Terms & Conditions apply. Every effort has been made to present this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.

New Itinerary

Based on feedback from our travelers, we’ve made major changes to our Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam adventure to enhance your travel experience. This new itinerary features many additional cultural discoveries and a more relaxed traveling pace for your journey through four fascinating Southeast Asian countries. This new itinerary begins with August 2014 departures.

More days, less travel time

By adding an extra day in both Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll now have more opportunities to delve deeper into Bangkok’s ancient splendor and glittering temples and to explore Saigon’s colonial past.

We’ve also eliminated a taxing 8-hour overland drive. Now you’ll be better rested so you can immerse yourself completely in Southeast Asia’s fascinating blend of natural beauty and diverse cultures.

More discoveries

We’ve added several more included features to our itinerary, including a visit to Ayutthaya, a fascinating temple complex that served as the ancient capital of Siam.

And our extra day in Ho Chi Minh City allows more in depth discoveries in Old Saigon. You’ll also now get to experience traditional ways of life in Vietnam with a new included visit to a small village and floating market along the Mekong Delta.

More authentic cuisine

We’ve increased the number of your included meals, with all lunches and dinners now at local restaurants. Travelers will now get to enjoy more authentic dining experiences—ones that better reflect the regional cuisine—and have more opportunities to experience local culture.

Making Merit

How the meaning of karma influences Buddhists in Southeast Asia

by Lyette Mercier

To Buddhists, gifts can garner merit. For example, textbooks given to children may ensure intelligence in your next life.

If you do good you will receive good; if you do evil you will receive evil.

— Thai proverb

Making merit—doing good—is a vital part of Buddhist life in Southeast Asia, and the proverb above elegantly illustrates why. In Buddhist teaching, you accumulate merit throughout your life to bring future happiness, strength, and peace—and to carry it into your next life.

Making merit, giving alms

In Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, where the majority of the population is Buddhist, the most common form of merit-making is giving alms to Buddhist monks, who take to the streets each morning in their bright saffron robes holding “begging bowls” into which people can place goods. The most common gift is food, but flowers, money, soap, and other goods useful to the monastery are also accepted. The amount of merit a giver receives is determined by many variables. First, the giver must have pure intentions, a clear mind, and not give anything that is not theirs to give. The quality of the gift also contributes to the merit received. Home-cooked foods are more merit-worthy than ones bought pre-prepared, and giving your leftovers to the monks is considered both rude and unworthy of merit. Finally, the more observant the monk being given alms (with the most observant perfectly obeying all 227 precepts of Buddhism), the more merit granted the giver.

In daily life, people can also gain merit through honoring others, offering help and service, involving others in good deeds, and being thankful for others’ good deeds. This focus on aiding and appreciating the people around you shows in the friendliness and spirit of fellowship among the people of Southeast Asia. After all, when you can bring a bit of good into your current or future life simply by smiling at a stranger or acknowledging a kindness, why not make a habit of it?

Candles for good eyesight

Of course, Buddhists understand that they may not see the results of their merit in this life and generally do not expect immediate results from their good deeds. But certain types of gifts are sometimes thought to accumulate specific kinds of merit for a giver’s next life. For example, giving textbooks to children is said to ensure that you will be intelligent in your next life, and offering candles or lights will give you bright eyes and good eyesight. Merit can also be “transferred” to the person of the giver’s choosing (often a deceased loved one) to lessen that person’s suffering in their next life.

Holidays and festivals provide opportunities for celebratory merit-making. The birthday of Thailand’s king, for example, is celebrated annually with ceremonies in which citizens give alms to monks on behalf of the king, donating the accumulated merit to the monarch as a birthday gift. Another common form of birthday merit-making is to release fish. The tradition stems from saving creatures stranded in rice paddies by receding floods. In the coastal province of Samut Prakan, one million shrimp were released into the river for the king’s birthday in 2011.

Karma

The practice of gaining merit stems from the Buddhist concept of karma, which means “doing.” Everything a person does, says, and thinks is a karma, and the accumulation of good and bad karma influences both this life and the next. Two stories from the Buddha’s life form the basis of the tradition. In the first tale, two merchants came upon the newly-enlightened Buddha and were so impressed by his virtue that they spontaneously gave him their provisions. The second story tells of the Buddha carrying a begging bowl as he traveled, with those who passed giving him food and goods so that he could continue to spread his teachings.

Almost 2,500 years later, the Buddha’s lessons of kindness, giving, and gaining merit continue to have a profound influence on the actions and culture of people throughout Southeast Asia.

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Evergreen Laurel Hotel

The Evergreen Laurel Hotel is conveniently located along Bangkok’s main thoroughfare, Sathorn Road, not far from shops and the bustling Patpong Night Market. Amenities include an award-winning Chinese restaurant, café, lobby lounge, fitness center, and outdoor swimming pool. Each of the 160 air-conditioned rooms includes a safe, minibar, cable TV, complimentary Internet access, and private bath.

Situated on the grounds of the Xiengkeo Palace, the Grand Luang Prabang offers a tranquil setting with views of the Mekong River and surrounding mountains. All 80 rooms feature traditional colonial décor, air-conditioning, cable TV, and private bath. During your stay, enjoy the on-site bar and two restaurants, manicured gardens, and a large outdoor swimming pool.

Centrally located in Vientiane, this 80-room hotel is a short walk to Nam Phu Fountain, Mekong River, and many shops and restaurants. Within the clean and modern hotel, you’ll find a restaurant and outdoor beer garden. The air-conditioned rooms feature satellite TV, high-speed wireless Internet, and en suite bathroom with shower and hair dryer.

The Almond Hotel is located near many of Phnom Penh’s most captivating sites and landmarks, including the Royal Palace. Each of the hotel’s 54 Khmer-styled rooms feature air-conditioning, cable TV, Internet access, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Two restaurants offer travelers a wide range of Asian and Western cuisines.

The Angkor Paradise Hotel is located in the heart of Siem Reap, just a short distance from Angkor Archaeological Park. Each air-conditioned guest room features a spacious bathroom, TV, minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and safe. There is a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa on the premises, and the on-site restaurant serves Khmer, Asian, and Western cuisine.

The colonial-style Hotel Continental is conveniently situated on Dong Khoi Street close to Ho Chi Minh City’s Opera House. Amenities at the historic hotel include two restaurants, a bar/lounge, and health club. There are 80 air-conditioned rooms at the Hotel Continental, each with minibar, satellite TV, and private bath with robe and slippers.

The Parkroyal Yangon is located in the heart of Rangoon within walking distance of Shwedagon Pagoda and the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market). The hotel features a lobby bar, three restaurants, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness center. There are 267 air-conditioned rooms, each with minibar, safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, the First-Class Mandalay Hill Resort offers views of the nearby pagodas, iconic Royal Palace, and Irrawaddy River. Hotel amenities include a lounge, café, and restaurant. Each air-conditioned room features a TV, safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Perched on the peak of Hintok Mountain, with inspiring views of the River Kwai and the lush local flora, the Hin Tok River Camp in Thailand features an on-site open-air restaurant and a swimming pool fed by a natural spring. The 32 tented, air-conditioned rooms feature a minibar, refrigerator, and private bath.

Golden Pine Resort & Spa in Thailand is in the heart of pineapple country, far from the busy city streets, surrounded by fields and rice paddies. The 90-room resort features an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and spa. Rooms are broken into individual, air-conditioned cottages and include TV, minibar, shower, and tub.

The Grand Napat is nestled in the center of Chiang Mai, away from the bustling city streets. It’s within walking distance of many of Chiang Mai’s main attractions, including JJ market—one of the main shopping areas in the city. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, exercise room, and on-site restaurant. Each air-conditioned room features a private balcony, TV, Internet access, safe, hair dryer, refrigerator, and private bath.

The Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel is located on Srinakarin Road near Bangkok's international airport. Hotel amenities include three restaurants, a coffee shop, an outdoor pool and fitness center. There are 450 air-conditioned rooms, each with a safe, mini bar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, complimentary Internet access, TV, and private bath.

After breakfast, this full-day optional tour journeys about 75 miles west of Bangkok to Ratchaburi, set on the banks of the Mae Klong River. We begin with a paddle-boat ride along the canal at the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market. Then, after a walking tour of the market, we’ll stop palm sugar workshop and coconut farm to see how this staple of Thai cuisine is made. After lunch at a local restaurant, we then take a bus ride to Khlong Khon district of Samutsongkram province, where a local community is working to preserve the once thriving mangrove forests. We’ll board a fisherman's boat to explore the beauty of the mangrove forest area, feed the monkeys who often swim by for handouts, and witness the birdlife. Then, we visit a local home to learn about fishermen’s way of life in this fascinating region of Thailand before returning to Bangkok by bus in the late afternoon.

Banteay Srei - $80/person

Visit Banteay Srei, one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved temple sites in Cambodia. Built in AD 967, Banteay Srei means “Citadel of Women,” and is recognized as a tribute to female beauty. The structures here have been carved in painstaking detail out of sandstone with detail as intricate as a woven tapestry—a testament to the craft of the original artisans. The temple rises out of a tangle of forest some 20 miles from Angkor. This tour includes lunch, and also offers a glimpse into the daily life of rural Cambodia, as we stop to visit basket weavers, palm sugar farmers, and a Khmer noodle maker.

Enjoy the open air on a cyclo-rickshaw ride through Saigon, seeing the city's narrow streets the way the locals do. Your destination is a local theater, where you’ll watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, Mua Roi Nuoc, which uses water for the stage and depicts humorous tales from Vietnamese folklore. After the show, we'll visit the Saigon Culinary Center for a hands-on cooking demonstration, sampling the fruits of our labor at the end of the tour.

Ray Dechpong

99% of travelers rated Ray as "excellent"

"Ray has an exceptional knowledge of Southeast Asia. He spoke excellent English, and knows Americans and their customs. The trip went without a hitch from beginning to end, thanks to Ray’s work behind the scenes. He was exceptionally caring for each person in the group."

Karen & Hale Sturges 5-time travelers from Boston, Massachusetts

Get to know Ray

Born

Fang District, Thailand

Resides

Bangkok, Thailand

Languages

English, Thai

Hobbies & Interests

Reading, watching movies, jogging

With us since 1999

I was born and grew up in a small village near the Burmese border, located 90 miles north of Chiang Mai. I went to elementary school in the village, and was ordained as a novice monk after that at the village temple. I moved to Bangkok when I was 15 years old to continue my study in high school and university.

I’ve been a guide since 1985. Out of all the different nationalities of people who have been in my tour groups over the years, I enjoy American travelers the most. Never before have I encountered such friendly, outgoing people who are so passionate about learning, and eager to learn about Thailand. Experience tells me our relaxed way of life and warm people are our greatest assets, and most popular attractions. My travelers agree, and I think it’s because Thai people are accepting of all people, and that acceptance shines though when they interact with travelers. When you come to Bangkok, you will notice that there is heavy traffic, but there are no honking horns. This is the impact that Buddhism has on us—we are very relaxed.

One thing I share in common with travelers is my interest for history and traveling. Being a traveler myself, I can relate not only to the interests of my travelers, but I also understand and can help with any concerns they have. I know that my travelers are here to learn and discover, and I am committed to giving them the best experience I can, and to making sure I change the lives of these people who visit my neighboring countries and my own country.

Panu Apasat

99% of travelers rated Panu as "excellent"

"Panu was absolutely wonderful! He had a marvelous attitude and was so conscientious. His main concern seemed to be the enjoyment and well-being of the group. He checked in with us every time we moved to a new hotel to see that all was well, greeted us every morning at breakfast, and was always available for individual help or directions."

Nancy Stefan 11-time traveler from Minneapolis, Minnesota

Get to know Panu

Born

Bangkok, Thailand

Resides

Bangkok, Thailand

Languages

English, Thai

Hobbies & Interests

Going to the movies and the gym

With us since 2001

I was born and lived in Bangkok all my life. My childhood was simple. I grew up in a small-sized family as the youngest of two boys. One day, when I was ten years old, there was a Western couple wandering around my elementary school. They were lost because the school was out of sight of tourists. The only person that could speak English was my English teacher. He was the hero of the day. When I watched him talk to the couple, I told myself that when I grew up, I would speak English.

I like to stay with my group for longer periods of time, unlike other travel companies who stay with the group for three to five days and then leave. More days means I have more time to show the real life of my country. I encourage travelers to keep an open eye. When there are occasions along the road like weddings, birthdays, Buddhist activities/ceremonies, or funerals, I like to stop and bring the group over to enjoy the local customs.

I always discuss controversial topics with my travelers, including the poor education of Thai farmers and their gambling habits, prostitution problems, sex and child abuse, and corrupt politicians. However, I’m proud of my King and Queen because of their concerns to improve the lives of Thai people. You can point anywhere outside of the bus in Thailand and find something they have done for the people.

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